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What is another word for Abuse? – 154 Abuse Synonyms

    Need another word for Abuse? Use these synonyms of Abuse from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    mistreatment maltreatment ill-treatment exploitation oppression persecution tyranny cruelty brutality violence aggression harassment bullying intimidation torment suffering affliction hardship misery wretchedness distress hurt harm damage injury wrongdoing misdeed outrage atrocity barbarity savagery ruthlessness mercilessness heartlessness callousness inhumanity sadism sadistic behavior

    Meaning of Abuse

    The primary meaning of the word "abuse" is to use or treat someone or something improperly or excessively, often in a way that causes harm or damage.

    Definitions

    • The word "abuse" can be defined as a pattern of behavior in which one person uses physical, emotional, or verbal means to control or hurt another person.
    • It can also refer to the improper or excessive use of something, such as a substance or a power.
    • Additionally, "abuse" can describe language or behavior that is insulting or offensive.

    Etymology of Abuse

    The word "abuse" originates from the Old French word "abuser", which is derived from the Latin words "ab" (meaning "away from") and "usus" (meaning "use").
    Historically, the word "abuse" has been used to describe a wide range of improper or excessive behaviors, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, and verbal insults.

    Example Uses

    • The company was accused of abuse of power and corruption.
    • The athlete suffered abuse from the crowd after making a mistake.
    • The new policy aims to prevent abuse of the system.
    • The child was a victim of physical and emotional abuse.
    • The government was criticized for its abuse of human rights.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    respect kindness compassion empathy care concern consideration gentleness leniency mercy moderation self-control restraint decency fairness justice humanity benevolence generosity charity tolerance understanding patience forgiveness mildness softness tenderness

    Related Nouns

    victim perpetrator survivor advocate counselor therapist social worker psychologist psychiatrist nurse doctor hospital clinic shelter refuge sanctuary haven protection safety security well-being health welfare justice law legislation policy procedure protocol guideline

    Related Verbs

    exploit oppress persecute tyrannize brutalize victimize harass bully intimidate torment hurt harm damage injure mistreat maltreat ill-treat neglect ignore disregard overlook underestimate undermine belittle demean humiliate degrade

    Related Adjectives

    physical emotional verbal psychological mental financial sexual spiritual institutional systemic structural cultural social economic political historical ongoing repeated persistent chronic severe extreme mild moderate occasional rare isolated intentional unintentional deliberate reckless negligent